Central American Banded Gecko Care Sheet
The Central American Banded Gecko is slowly emerging as a popular pet in the reptile pet trade and is becoming more and more recognized among eyelid gecko admirers. They are small bodied, fragile little geckos that are very similar in care with it's popular cousin the Leopard Gecko, yet also do require some special needs unique to them.
What To Look For In A Central American Banded Gecko:
Central American Banded Geckos appear very small and very fragile, but there are still signs other than heft and thickness that can indicate whether the gecko is healthy or not. Alertness is always an important factor to pay attention to; clear eyes and awareness is key. The body and tail will be small, but bones should not be too pronounced and the tail should not be stick thin. Toes and feet should be intact, there should be no open sores or scale discoloration, nor should their be any feces caked to the belly or vent. Avoid geckos with cage mates that appear ill, and be sure to ask the breeder you are purchasing from about any regenerated tails or concerns you may have. It is also important to ask whether the animal you are purchasing is captive bred or wild caught. Central American Banded Geckos are not as common as Leopard Geckos or African Fat Tail Geckos in the pet trade, and a large amount of these geckos are imported and infected with parasites and illness. Although it is possible to rehabilitate and domesticate a wild caught gecko, it is best to attempt to find a captive bred species if possible.
Where Can I Find A Central American Banded Gecko:
Central American Banded Geckos are sometimes difficult to find wild caught or captive bred. You will not find them in chain pet stores, nor are they easy to even find at expos or with private breeders in your area or online. Most breeders who work with them are just beginning, but some of the best luck you can have is investigating your local reptile expo.
Housing:
Central American Banded Geckos are very easy to house, even easier than leopard geckos. Only reaching about 4 to 7 inches, they can exist in a 5 to 10 gallon tank for their whole entire lives. They, like their cousins, take up very little space, however if you do plan on keeping multiples together this is something to consider. 2 can be housed in a 10 gallon tank with one another, and between 4 and 6 can be housed in a 20 gallon. After that, add an additional 5 to 10 gallons for each new gecko.
Heat:
Central American Banded Geckos require the same heat that their cousins Leopard Geckos require. They do not need UVA or UVB lights. They must have a warm side of their tank between 84-88 degrees F, and a cool side between 75-79 degrees F.
Vitamins:
Central American Banded Geckos need calcium and vitamin supplements just as their numerous reptile cousins require. Dust adults food twice to four times a week and dust juveniles food every day.
Diet:
Central American Banded Geckos are insectivores, however unlike leopard geckos they require much smaller meals. At their largest, they can consume small/medium super worms and giant mealworms. They can also handle small to small/medium crickets, as well as occasional waxworms as a treat.
Substrate:
Central American Banded Geckos do best on solid substrate that cannot be ingested, because of their small bodies and their fragile stomachs. Reptile carpet, non-adhesive shelf liner, paper towels, and desert mats all are safe alternatives for sand or loose substrate.
Hydration:
Central American Banded Geckos require a water dish to drink from and should have their cages misted about 3 to 4 times a week to keep slight humidity up.
Decor:
Central American Banded Geckos require a hide on both the warm and cool side of their tank. Although it is not needed, Central American Banded Geckos enjoy rock crevices and small rocks to perch on. The author finds that while this adds some pleasant decor, well secured rock decor also adds some wonderful stimuli for the gecko itself.
Handling and Temperament:
Central American Banded Geckos are quick and somewhat timid little geckos, and often times handling them can cause stress and occasional injury to their small bodies. Although moderate interaction is fine and sometimes recommended, handling should be kept to a minimum, and caution should always be taken to not break off the tail or over stress the gecko.
Conclusion:
Central American Banded Geckos are fascinating, beautiful, and super cute little geckos to own! They can be funny to watch chase food and climb around their enclosures, but they are certainly a pet made for viewing and not as much handling as their much hardier cousins the leopard geckos or african fat tail geckos. They are timid, and very quick, but they are low maintenance and certainly enjoyable to have for the right owner! If you feel a Central American Banded Gecko may be the right choice for you, good luck and have fun with these sweet mini geckos!
